Astigmatism is a condition where parts of the eye curve
more sharply in one direction than they do in another. This means the
eye cannot form a sharp image at any distance. It is usually treated with
special lenses with some 'cylinder curve.

Why do I have astigmatism?

There is usually a family tendency towards having astigmatism
although it often develops at the same time as myopia as the eyeball changes
shape.

What can I do about astigmatism?

It is difficult to do anything about astigmatism on its
own but if it developed with myopia it will usually improve as the the
myopia is reduced. (see myopia)

'Maggie Gold, 53, from West Hampstead, London, is a partner
in a property development company and has been using the pinhole glasses
for more than five years. Last year an optician told her that she no longer
needed to wear spectacles as her eyesight has returned to a healthy 20/20
vision.' She says: "I began wearing the alternative glasses when I was
doing close work or reading a book as my vision was blurring over. I already
had short sightedness and astigmatism and had been wearing glasses for
20 years.''
Daily Mail (1/07/97) - 'Pinhole glasses put my eyesight back into focus'